Video & Transcript : 'High Socks for Hope' :

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ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 20th, 2026

Judiciary and Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • Please, for all of you, state your name for the record.
  • We are potentially putting those young people at risk for mental distress, for suicide, and for bullying
  • I absolutely hope that parents can be the foundation for children, and we have plenty of laws that they
  • And that fear is real for a child. Doesn't mean my dad's going to get a gun out. I hope not.
  • And that fear is real for a child. Doesn't mean my dad's going to get a gun out. I hope not.
Keywords: 989, all
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 13th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • I was just hoping for an over... Would you repeat the question? Oh, yeah, thank you.
  • I was just hoping for an overview of kind of examples, or at least a general overview, of the provisions
  • However, it also allows for a parent to ask for his or her address to be redacted.
  • Stern, for being here.
  • And I echo the other attorney's commentary that the neutrality of the court is so, so important for high-conflict
Summary: The House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee approved the minutes from March 11, 2026, then took up House Bill 803 on execution procedures. The bill would extend confidentiality protections for people involved in firing squad executions to match those already used for lethal injection, with supporters saying it protects state employees from doxxing and is consistent with recent court rulings. Some members objected that the bill reduces transparency and removes even limited administrative review, but the committee passed it on a roll call vote, 11-2, with Representatives Matthias and Rubel voting no. The committee then heard House Bill 857, which would give both parents equal access to a minor child’s records, including medical, educational, child care, law enforcement, and court records, unless a court order restricts access with written findings that the restriction is necessary to prevent substantial harm to the child. The sponsor said the bill clarifies parental rights and helps schools and providers know when records must be released, while opponents argued it could expose parents and children to danger, create a high burden for courts, and reduce privacy protections. After testimony from family law attorneys, a court representative, and parents, the committee sent the bill to General Orders unanimously. House Bill 859, also from Representative Scott, would require restoration of parenting time when a parent loses time due to abuse allegations that are later found unsubstantiated or insufficient, and would require courts to order make-up time and report willful interference to prosecutors. Supporters said it would deter false allegations and restore time wrongfully lost, while opponents said existing family law rules already provide make-up time, the bill would burden courts, and the reporting requirement would compromise judicial neutrality. The committee rejected a motion to hold the bill and instead passed a motion to hold it in committee by a 7-5 roll call vote. The committee then quickly passed Senate Bill 1308, a cleanup bill related to mediator information, and Senate Bill 1293, which clarifies that crime victims compensation is not a public benefit under last session’s public benefits law. Both were sent to the floor with due pass recommendations.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

House Chamber - Thu Feb 6, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 14

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> be a desert for our love it is my hope be a desert for our love it is my hope that<01:08:50.440>
  • You're increasing the strength of the building so much more, and it will cost really high for the state
  • </c><01:10:59.880><c> us</c> cost really high for the state for us cost really high for the state for
  • > the</c><01:25:02.800><c> people</c><01:25:03.239><c> of</c> we hope to accomplish for the people of
  • we hope to accomplish for the people of Hawaii<01:25:04.000><c> thank</c><01:25:04.280><c> you</c><01
Keywords: 910, house, all
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

May 2, 2025 - 09:00 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • In terms of this summer, Chair Lopez and I are working to craft a schedule for meetings that we hope
  • In terms of this summer, Chair Lopez and I are working to craft a schedule for meetings that we hope
  • exemption for 30 years or more.
  • this new exemption for $500,000 for all non-school taxes, and then for our elderly people who are the
  • to sell my house for free.
Summary: The Select Committee on Property Taxes held its first meeting with opening remarks from the co-chairs and ranking member framing the committee’s task as developing property tax legislation for next session. Staff then gave a high-level overview of Florida property taxes, explaining how ad valorem taxes work, the roles of property appraisers, tax collectors, taxing authorities, value adjustment boards, and the Department of Revenue, and reviewing key concepts such as just value, assessed value, exemptions, taxable value, millage rates, homestead exemptions, Save Our Homes, and portability. The presentation also emphasized that property tax law is largely rooted in the Florida Constitution and that local governments choose millage rates, which affects collections. No public comment was taken. The committee then discussed five Speaker-proposed concepts. Proposal 1 would require cities, counties, and special districts to hold a referendum on eliminating property taxes on homestead properties; members raised concerns about local funding, public safety, special districts, renters, and the need for extensive voter education, with some suggesting countywide elections or town halls instead. Proposal 2 would create a new $500,000 homestead exemption for non-school taxes and a $1 million exemption for seniors 65+ or long-term homesteaders; members split between seeing it as meaningful relief for seniors and warning it could devastate local tax bases, especially in lower-value or rural counties, while also potentially trapping older homeowners in place. Proposal 3 would authorize the Legislature to raise homestead exemptions by general law; some liked the flexibility, but others worried about statewide one-size-fits-all impacts, political difficulty in reversing changes, and the need for local revenue replacement. Proposal 4 would change assessment caps for homestead and non-homestead property; several members said it would not provide enough relief and could shift burdens to rental properties and non-homestead owners. Proposal 5, eliminating foreclosure on homestead property for tax liens, drew the strongest opposition, with members saying it would undermine lien priority, mortgage and title systems, and incentives to pay taxes. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly stressed the need to understand local fiscal impacts, including police, fire, infrastructure, and other services funded by property taxes, and to consider alternative revenue sources or offsets if taxes are reduced. The co-chairs said the committee is still in the information-gathering stage, that all ideas remain on the table, and that members should do “homework” by meeting with local taxing authorities and learning how property taxes are set and spent in their districts. The meeting ended with no votes on the proposals and adjournment after a motion to rise.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HED-HRE Informational Briefing 11-12-2025

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I hope that is not the case across the board and at high numbers.
  • </c><00:37:21.440><c> million</c> to come in for a request for $5 million to come in for a request for
  • ><c> to</c> are you hoping for like a dollar to are you hoping for like a dollar to dollar<00:39:05.920
  • </c> to pay for you. to pay for you.
  • year for the program for &gt;&gt; this past year for the program for &gt;&gt; uh<01:09:57.360><c> we
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: A joint informational briefing of the House and Senate higher education committees focused on how the University of Hawaiʻi athletics department plans to remain competitive in the new NIL era, including the effects of the House v. NCAA settlement, direct institutional payments, and the need to balance competitiveness with the university’s educational mission. Senators and committee members introduced themselves, and the briefing featured remarks from women’s basketball coach Laura Beeman, football coach Timmy Chang, and Athletic Director Matt Elliott. Coach Beeman said NIL has already affected recruiting and retention in women’s basketball, estimating the program has lost six to 10 student-athletes because it lacks the funding to keep comparable talent. She emphasized that the issue is not greed but retention, culture, and keeping student-athletes who value the university and community, while also using NIL as a way to teach financial literacy, privacy, and adult responsibilities. Coach Chang described similar pressures in football, including transfer portal volatility and competing offers from other programs, and gave examples of players whose personal and family circumstances made NIL support important for staying at Hawaiʻi. Athletic Director Elliott said the department’s vision is to create an outstanding student-athlete experience, recruit and retain elite athletes, compete at the top of the Mountain West, and strengthen community ties. He said the department wants to preserve the educational focus while adapting to a system in which student-athletes can share in revenue. Elliott explained that UH is seeking a $5 million annual NIL fund, is fundraising through the community and the “Boost the Bose” account, and is also pursuing individual NIL deals, corporate sponsorship-related deals, and licensing opportunities. In response to Senator Kim’s question, he said NIL compensation can come through two tracks: institutional payments within the department’s discretion and outside deals that must be reviewed for market value under the new reporting system. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational only.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • And for 50 years, she pushed for yes to clean up this river.
  • Thank you for your testimony. Are there any questions for the panel?
  • Thank you so much for this money for coming in today.
  • Thank you for your testimony. Any questions for the panel? Seeing none. Thank you for your time.
  • Questions for you? Okay, thank you for your testimony.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hearing on several late-file bills and home rule petitions, with testimony focused mainly on coastal access and wildlife management, rodenticide restrictions, and a local land-use request. Rep. Scarsdale testified for H.5113, which would name an accessible trail in Groton’s J. Harry Rich State Forest the Marion Stoddard River Walk in honor of the activist who helped restore the Nashua River. Groton Trails Committee chair Paul Fung also supported the bill, describing the trail, educational signs, and DCR’s involvement. Rep. Sweezey presented a package of Duxbury Beach bills—H.5141, H.5140, and H.5139—intended to align state shorebird protections more closely with federal standards, create parity in beach management tools, and require periodic review of outdated recreational-use guidelines; he said the bills were developed with local and agency input and aimed to balance conservation with beach access. A large portion of the hearing concerned local petitions to restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides and other pesticides. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Sierra Club, Animal Defenders International, wildlife rehabilitation groups, and residents from towns including Grafton, Billerica, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Eastham, and Truro argued that these poisons harm raptors and other non-target wildlife through secondary poisoning, persist in the environment, and are increasingly ineffective. Several speakers said local town meetings had approved the restrictions and urged favorable reports on the petitions. Opponents, including a representative of the New England Pest Management Association, argued that regulation should remain at the state level under MDAR to avoid a patchwork of local rules and noted that the agency was already reviewing rodenticide regulations. Committee members asked questions about agency consultation, the relationship between state and federal bird listings, and how local beach rules would work in practice. The committee also heard testimony on H.4700 and related local pesticide-reduction petitions for Eastham and Truro, with witnesses describing groundwater concerns, pesticide drift, and wildlife impacts. Finally, the committee took testimony on S.2961, a Dighton bill authorizing the use of a small portion of conservation land for public way purposes to replace the Pleasant Street Bridge and add pedestrian and bicycle accommodations; the witness said the affected area was limited and necessary for safety improvements. The hearing ended after testimony concluded, with the chair turning the gavel over and the committee adjourning.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Local Government Committee Jul 1st, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Commissary food items that we purchased for a high price would be molded and expired.
  • For construction workers, the benefits are just as important. High-rise housing is complex work.
  • I respectfully ask for your aye vote. I respectfully ask for your high vote.
  • And I hope the outcome of the study will result in some ideas for policies and budget investments that
  • And I hope the outcome of the study will result in some ideas for policies and budget investments that
Summary: The committee heard several housing, local government, coastal, and infrastructure bills. AB 306 would create a statewide appeal and code-interpretation process for building code issues at the California Building Standards Commission; supporters said it would reduce inconsistent local interpretations and speed housing delivery, while no opposition testified, and it was moved on a do-pass-as-amended vote to Appropriations. AB 956 would clarify ADU law to allow up to two detached ADUs on a property and address ADUs in HOAs/common interest developments; supporters framed it as a flexibility and housing-supply measure, while local government and county groups raised concerns about ministerial approval, parking, density, and impacts on neighborhood character. After committee questions, the bill was moved do pass as amended to Appropriations on a 2-0 vote, with the bill remaining on call. Members also considered AB 1751, which would create a ministerial approval path for qualifying townhome projects and allow local inclusionary ordinances for larger projects. Supporters said it would expand attainable homeownership and help produce missing-middle housing, while cities and counties objected to reduced density, by-right approval, and potential housing-element net-loss issues. The bill was moved do pass as amended to Appropriations on a 2-0 vote and remained on call. AB 912, which would revise the governance structure of the Vallejo Flood and Wastewater District board, drew unanimous support from the district, city, and county; it passed 3-0 to Appropriations and remained on call. AB 1710, aimed at preserving housing project entitlements from later regulatory changes, also advanced on a 4-0 do-pass-as-amended vote after opponents said they were awaiting the committee amendments. The committee also heard AB 2080, which would make county treasurer investment authority delegations ongoing until revoked rather than requiring annual renewal; supporters said it would reduce technical noncompliance and administrative burden without reducing oversight, and it was moved to the Senate Floor. AB 1740, a coastal bill for Santa Monica, would set timelines and reporting for a local coastal program and create an expedited Coastal Commission process for bike, transit, and pedestrian projects; supporters said it reflected a negotiated path forward with the city and commission, and it passed 3-0 to Appropriations. AB 2181, backed by Unite Here, would limit use of hypothetical density bonus value in hotel and motel appraisals; supporters said it would protect hospitality jobs from speculative lease-rent increases, and it was moved to the Senate Floor on a 4-0 vote. Finally, AB 2469 on data centers and water use drew the most extended debate. The bill would require water supply and water use assessments before approval, and shift infrastructure costs to project proponents; supporters said it would improve transparency, protect ratepayers, and ensure local governments have information before approving water-intensive facilities. Opponents, including business, city, county, and tech groups, argued existing law already covers water assessments and fees, warned the bill could create a separate permitting regime, and raised concerns about privacy, security, and investment impacts. The committee had not yet taken final action on AB 2469 when the transcript ended, and members were still asking technical questions about data center cooling and water reuse.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, July 20, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • "Gentleman from Pennsylvania is recognized for four minutes." 45 and those at high risk.
  • for young and high-risisk and education for young and high-risisk women.<03:55:41.840><c> Breast</c>
  • Every one of these breakthroughs carries the hope for a brighter tomorrow for individuals living with
  • To everyone living with ALS who has advocated for this bill, I hope today's vote shows that Congress
  • and big dreams. advocated for this bill, I hope today's advocated for this bill, I hope today's vote
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> planning for housing and work for planning for housing and work for workforce<00:58:51.800><c> and
  • . high. high.
  • They say tuition is too high. high. high.
  • </c> for families who are looking to pay for for families who are looking to pay for the<01:15:42.240
  • </c> for 250 trees. for 250 trees.
Keywords: 1183, house
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Community Safety Jan 26th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • I hope you'll join me in voting for this bill. Thank you.
  • I hope you'll join me in voting for this bill. Thank you.
  • So thank you for hearing this bill. I hope it passes. Thank you. Colleen McAngles, are you here?
  • For instance, if the person was assessed as high risk to reoffend.
  • The issue is I am hoping that there will be supervision for stalkers.
Summary: The committee heard public hearings on several bills, with testimony limited because of the large number of sign-ups. House Bill 2146 would expand the crime of sexual exploitation of a minor to include causing a minor to view sexually explicit conduct that is being photographed or shown in a live performance. The prime sponsor, Olympia police, and Pierce County prosecutors described cases involving adults masturbating in front of children and argued the current law leaves a gap by treating such conduct as only misdemeanor indecent exposure or communication with a minor. Committee members asked about comparisons to other states, forensic interviews, and whether related offenses could be enhanced. House Bill 2349 would expand notice requirements for sexually violent predator releases, conditional releases, address changes, discharges, and escapes to include local elected officials such as sheriffs, county executives, city officials, and legislators. The sponsor said the bill would codify a practice already occurring in some cases and help officials respond to community concerns with accurate information. DSHS supported increased communication but requested technical amendments. Several city officials testified in support, saying they had not always been notified in advance of placements in their communities. Defense advocates opposed the bill, warning that broader notification could fuel public pressure, vigilante responses, and constitutional problems for the civil commitment system. The hearing on the bill was left open for amendments. House Bill 2532 would make it a gross misdemeanor to sell or distribute nitrous oxide canisters or similar containers, with exemptions for medical, dental, food, industrial, and automotive uses. The sponsor and supporters described rising misuse among youth and young adults, public health harms, and incidents involving impaired driving and overdose deaths. Tribal representatives, the Attorney General’s Office, the Washington Poison Center, and public health officials supported the bill, while veterinary representatives asked for clarification or an amendment to preserve veterinary use. The committee also heard testimony on House Bills 2430 and 2457, which both concern the crime victim penalty assessment. Representative Barno’s bill would restore the assessment for certain offenses involving victims, while Representative Davis’s bill would increase the assessment and add a surcharge for defendants with substantial financial resources. Victim advocates, prosecutors, and sheriffs supported the bills as needed to restore funding for victim services, while defense groups opposed them as burdensome fees on indigent defendants. The chair directed the two sponsors to work together on a single proposal, and the hearings were held open.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Public Safety Committee Jun 30th, 2026

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • San Bernardino County, for example, San Diego County, for example, Los Angeles County, for example, as
  • For these reasons, we respectfully ask for your no vote.
  • Thank you in advance for your patience. We hope to resume as soon as possible.
  • For item 10.
  • For item 26.
Committee: House Public Safety
Keywords: 988, house, all
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Transportation, Highways and Public Works Mar 23rd, 2026

Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Transcript Highlights:
  • Update for Mr. Adams.
  • There's no provision in law for a temporary waiver for this.”
  • Quick question for you. I am 100,000% for this.
  • I hope so.
  • And that may be different for different states, but for Louisiana, we were already asking for all of
Bills: HB372 , HB582 , HB593 , HB613 , HB712 , HB722 , HB732 , HB746 , HB762 , HB781 , HB845 , HB882
Summary: The House Transportation Committee heard an update from Office of Motor Vehicles leadership, who said the agency had achieved efficiencies, was operating in the black, had improved employee morale and staffing, and expected to begin testing the driver’s license portion of its modernization project in September. Members then took up several OMV-related bills. HB 781, creating a fleet vehicle registration program, was amended to delay implementation until January 1, 2028 or until the OMV registration system is updated, and was reported with amendments. HB 712, which waives OMV fees for driver’s licenses and state IDs for homeless persons who meet eligibility requirements, drew support from homelessness advocates and some members who said it would remove a barrier to work, safety, and housing; concerns were raised about verification and workload, but the bill was amended to require the department to waive fees and to require proof of homeless status, then reported by a recorded vote. HB 372, requiring OMV public education on roundabouts, was discussed as a safety and awareness measure, but the author agreed to voluntarily defer it in favor of pursuing a resolution or other approach. The committee also advanced HB 746 on oversized trucking permits after amendments clarified a one-year moratorium on new local permit requirements while preserving existing permits, and HB 732, which would allow the OMV commissioner to waive or reduce certain fees in humanitarian cases such as hospice, was reported favorably. HB 722, providing for automatic reinstatement of driver’s licenses after payment of fees and fines except for DUI-related suspensions, was amended and reported with amendments. HB 593, increasing the maximum local service fee for certain OMV field offices, prompted debate over costs to motorists and local control; an amendment exempted Shreveport, and the bill was reported with amendments by a 9-5 vote. HB 613, adding an eagle image to indicate U.S. citizenship on licenses and IDs, was amended and reported with a recorded 8-5 vote after members questioned its practical effect and recognition outside Louisiana. The committee also heard HB 582 and HB 762 on insurance lapse fees and debt recovery, with HB 582 reported favorably after the author agreed to work with another member on a similar bill, while HB 762 was discussed as a way to avoid adding a 15% Office of Debt Recovery fee to OMV-related debts.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Insurance Committee Apr 22nd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you for the opportunity to testify and for your support for this bill.
  • That home was our peace, that home was our security, that home was the future we hoped to leave for our
  • Thank you very much for your time, Chair. Thank you for being here for your testimony.
  • I'm hoping that it will get amended to a supportable position for myself.
  • I'm hoping that it will get amended to a supportable position for myself.
Summary: The committee heard three major insurance-related bills. SB 1209 by Senator Allen would give the Insurance Commissioner new authority to require insurers to implement corrective actions found in market conduct and financial exams, with penalties for failure to comply. Supporters, including Commissioner Ricardo Lara and his deputies, said current law leaves CDI without a direct way to compel remediation of repeated violations or obtain needed financial information, while opponents argued the bill expands CDI authority too far, could duplicate existing penalties, and should be limited to legal violations rather than recommendations. After discussion, members and the author agreed to narrow the bill through amendments, including tying it to legal violations, applying penalties per exam rather than per policy, and clarifying accounting language; the committee then passed the bill 5-1 to Appropriations, with one member on call. SB 1301, also by Senator Allen, would reform residential property insurance non-renewals by requiring clearer written explanations, giving homeowners a chance to mitigate correctable issues, and prohibiting certain unfair non-renewal bases such as claims below deductible or claims not paid by the insurer. The author and supporters said Californians face unusually high non-renewal rates and often receive vague notices that make it hard to keep coverage, while opponents warned the bill’s original 180-day notice period and reporting requirements were too burdensome and could worsen availability. Senator Richardson said he would support the bill after the author agreed to reduce the notice period to about three months and continue working on a mitigation-based process; the committee then approved the bill 4-1, with one member on call. The committee also considered SB 1026 by Senator Gonzalez, which would strengthen regulation of bail fugitive recovery agents by allowing CDI to suspend or revoke licenses without a criminal conviction, expanding prohibited conduct, and tightening insurance and appointment requirements. Supporters, including Commissioner Lara, said the 2022 licensing law left loopholes that allow misconduct to continue and that the bill would improve public safety and accountability. Opponents from the bail industry and crime victims groups argued the bill requires unavailable or impractical insurance coverage, including coverage for willful acts, and could reduce the number of recovery agents and delay justice. Members raised concerns about the insurance language and availability, and the author said the bill was still being worked on with opposition; the committee passed it 4-1, with one member on call. Finally, the committee heard SB 982 by Senator Wiener, the Affordable Insurance and Recovery Act, which would let the Attorney General seek recovery from fossil fuel companies for climate-related costs affecting the Fair Plan and private policyholders. The author said Californians are paying rising insurance and disaster costs while fossil fuel companies that contributed to climate change are not, and witnesses from flood and wildfire communities and climate policy experts supported the bill as a way to fund recovery and resilience. Opponents, including business and labor representatives, argued the bill would impose broad liability, invite litigation, and harm jobs and energy affordability. The hearing included extensive testimony, but no vote was taken on SB 982 in the portion provided.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Finance Division III (03/04/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • Do you have figures for the number of children that has been tested with high blood levels of lead in
  • high um for people have gone up really high um for people entering<02:53:17.000><c> the</c><02:53:17.160
  • /c><03:33:41.920><c> I</c><03:33:42.319><c> received</c><03:33:42.600><c> a</c> tested high for lead
  • um and I received a tested high for lead um and I received a lot<03:33:42.920><c> of</c><03:33:43.080
  • for</c><04:19:18.760><c> the</c> you state your name for the for the you state your name for the for
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The Finance Division III work session focused on the Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Public Health Services budget. Department staff said Public Health has a relatively small budget compared with other DHHS divisions, is supported mostly by federal and other non-General funds, and contains nearly 100 accounting units and more than 50 federal grants. They emphasized that the governor’s budget did not include significant cuts, but that federal funding uncertainty and the winding down of pandemic-era resources were major factors affecting the division. The division also explained that some apparent budget growth reflects reorganizations, including moving the Bureau of Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery and some programs from other DHHS divisions into Public Health. The presentation described Public Health’s mission as serving the entire state through food and water safety, disease surveillance, emergency response, maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, WIC, community health center support, and public health data collection. Members asked about bird flu, and staff explained that human-health response would involve Public Health’s lab, infectious disease, and emergency preparedness units, while animal-health issues are handled with the Department of Agriculture; they also noted ongoing milk testing requested by FDA and USDA. The division said its organizational structure includes bureaus for Family Health and Nutrition, Infectious Disease Control, Public Health Protection, Emergency Preparedness, Prevention and Wellness, Statistics and Informatics, and Public Health Laboratories, with about a 15% vacancy rate. Committee members questioned whether the division’s budget and staffing had really grown since pre-COVID, and staff responded that full-time authorized staffing is about the same as in 2018, with the increase largely due to federal pandemic funding that has since receded and to program transfers between divisions. They said Public Health’s General Fund share is about $24 million out of roughly $1.1 billion in DHHS General Fund spending, or about 2.2% of the department total. Members also asked about the 3,000-position cap and unfunded positions; staff explained that the cap remains in chapter law through June 30, 2025, that 394 positions were unfunded in the governor’s budget, and that the division expects flexibility to move money from personnel lines and fill unfunded positions to manage changing needs. No votes or formal actions were taken in this portion of the work session.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
  • for direct hiring for a smaller project to be a bit more of a useful tool for us.
  • I hope so. So I don't. Fine. I hope so.
  • We don't have a lot of high tolerance for error, right, because it has a direct effect on people.
  • We don't have a lot of high tolerance for error, right, because it has a direct effect on people.
  • It’s a fee-for-service for the IT staff.
Summary: The task force reviewed survey results from state agencies on potential statutory revisions, with Levi reporting 70 proposals from 20 agencies and noting that about 33 might become agency pre-file bills. Members discussed the need to share the survey more broadly within higher education and to better coordinate issues involving IT and other cross-agency functions. The task force then heard from the Office of Management and Budget on three topics: concessions, architect/engineering pre-qualification, and legal notices. OMB said the concessions law is outdated and inconsistent with current practice, and suggested a collaborative rewrite to allow best-value evaluation, raise the threshold, and standardize solicitation templates. On architect/engineering pre-qualification, OMB proposed expanding authority beyond current state-agency limits and creating uniform templates. On legal notices, OMB proposed modernizing publication requirements, exploring online and abbreviated notices, and working with newspapers and other stakeholders on technology and accessibility improvements. Members asked about where concession revenues go, whether political subdivisions must follow the same rules, and how to move from discussion to action. The task force agreed to have OMB work with Legislative Council and affected stakeholders to develop bill drafts, and the motion passed unanimously. The University of North Dakota then presented a series of proposed revisions focused on public buildings and procurement. UND asked to rework the definition of construction so routine maintenance and one-for-one replacements over $250,000 would not automatically trigger public-improvement requirements, suggested raising the threshold to $500,000, and asked for more flexibility based on project complexity and risk. UND also proposed changes to public bid advertisements to reflect electronic bidding, revisions to construction manager-at-risk selection criteria, changes to architect/engineer procurement rules, an increase in the direct-hire design threshold, and a higher legislative-consent threshold for privately funded projects. The task force supported having UND work with counsel and OMB to develop bill drafts, and that motion also passed. The Department of Public Instruction concluded with proposed cleanup to credentialing and education statutes. DPI recommended reviewing its credential categories for relevance, possibly transferring credentialing authority to the Education Standards and Practices Board, removing outdated school safety patrol language, clarifying waiver provisions, and updating dyslexia screening reporting requirements so the statute reflects current practice. Members focused mainly on whether the dyslexia reporting requirement should remain, and DPI said the screening itself would continue even if reporting language were revised. No votes were taken on DPI’s suggestions, and the task force recessed after the presentation.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> Uh it's a low-risk, high-reward Uh it's a low-risk, high-reward investment<00:03:43.320><c> for<
  • I would hope you would consider this bill. Thank you, Chair Kresha, for your bill.
  • I would hope you would consider this bill. Thank you, Chair Kresha, for your bill.
  • I would hope you would consider this bill. Thank you, Chair Kresha, for your bill.
  • I would hope you would consider this bill. Thank you, Chair Kresha, for your bill.
Keywords: 1183, house
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Even us, we're reevaluating if that's too high of a number. For contract slots.
  • For infant care? For a large family child care home.
  • for families.
  • However, for needed services that fall outside of RAP, we... ...which will pay for high-fidelity RAP.
  • So thank you for having supported that before, and we're hoping that you continue to support it so that
Keywords: 987, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-24 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So I'm hoping that that will be our safeguard for us.
  • I want to thank all my colleagues for the constructive feedback on this bill, and I hope, regardless
  • We all know time's running out on this session, and I hope to have further updates for you early next
  • We all know time's running out on this session, and I hope to have further updates for you early next
  • Senator Leek moved CS for CS for CS for CS for CS for House Bill 1219 be substituted for CS for CS for
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including guests from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Clay County, and a moment of silence for Pope Francis. Members then moved to the special order calendar after adopting a motion to reconsider the earlier failed vote on CS/SB 1080, which was temporarily postponed. The chamber also temporarily postponed several bills during the day, including measures on social media use by minors, veterans’ nursing homes, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and substance use disorders, education, educator preparation, benefits for certain officers injured in the line of duty, Brownfields, and school social workers. The Senate passed a series of bills with little or no opposition, often substituting House companions for Senate bills. These included expedited DNA testing grants for law enforcement; additional aggravating factors in capital felony sentencing; fertility preservation coverage for cancer patients; commuter rail indemnification; disposition of migrant vessels; specialty license plates; an Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign; relocation of the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University; charter school changes; registration rules for sexual predators and offenders; assault and battery penalties for utility workers; juvenile justice revisions; reporting of student mental health outcomes; foster home licensure transfers; water access facilities and boating-related funding; Florida Virtual School changes; school readiness program improvements; protections against lewd sexual images of children; age-related criminal offense provisions; tampering with electronic monitoring devices; certified recovery residences; and codification of the FSU Election Law Center. Most of these bills passed overwhelmingly, though the charter school bill and the aggravating factors bill drew more divided votes. One of the most debated measures was SB 820, codifying the Office of Faith and Community. Senator Polsky offered an amendment to bar political activity by office employees while on duty and using government resources, citing alleged election-related emails and concerns about mixing government and religious influence. Supporters argued the amendment was needed as a guardrail; opponents said existing law already covered the conduct and that the amendment could be confusing or overly broad. The amendment failed 13-23, and the underlying bill passed 27-9 after extended debate about faith, politics, and the office’s role. Another notable debate involved SB 954 on certified recovery residences, where senators emphasized the need for stable housing in addiction recovery and the bill passed unanimously after supportive remarks from members who had personal experience with recovery. The Senate also passed SB 674 on bonuses for county tax collector and property appraiser employees after questions about safeguards and the purpose of the bonuses.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Transportation - 03/17/25

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • [Music] Everyone, and thank you for being here. Uh, everyone, and thank you for being here.
  • Uh, actually, he has a hearing. the edge of my seat waiting for the DPS the edge of my seat waiting for
  • </c> hearing thank you Senator Dibble for hearing thank you Senator Dibble for letting<00:01:02.000><
  • This is the five-year roadmap for making Minnesota roads safer, and it is up for renewal.
  • </c><00:08:27.479><c> high-speed</c><00:08:28.159><c> rural</c> Target those high-risk high-speed rural
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Education (03/24/2026)

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> strictly for abuse. strictly for abuse.
  • /c> I thank you for your time and for the I thank you for your time and for the opportunity<00:45:29.480
  • I asked for a 3-minute or less. Thank you for opening the hearing.
  • what to look for.
  • </c> I think that's it for today. I think that's it for today.
Committee: Senate Education
Keywords: 1191, senate, all